Top 20 best public high schools in Pretoria in 2026: All you need to know

Looking for the best public high schools in Pretoria? Institutions like Pretoria Boys High School, Pretoria High School for Girls, and St. Alban’s College are renowned for their strong academics, excellent extracurricular programs, and focus on developing well-rounded students. This list highlights the top institutions where your teenager can thrive both academically and personally, helping you choose the right school for their talents and growth.

Key takeaways

• In South Africa, high school begins at grade 8 (ages 13 – 14).
• Students study for five years, after which they take a Matriculation examination.
• Pretoria is home to the best educational institutions in the country, such as Pretoria Boys High School, Pretoria High School for Girls, and St. Alban’s College.

Top 20 best public high schools in Pretoria in 2026

This list of top high schools in Pretoria samples top academic schools in the region based on their academic reputation and performance in interschool co-curricular competitions like sports over the years. Most are well-equipped with modern facilities. The top 20 best public high schools in Pretoria are listed below.

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20. Pretoria North High School

• Physical address: 122 Berg Avenue, Pretoria North, Pretoria, 0182
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 546 6590
• Email: administrasie@pnhs.co.za
• Website: pnhs.co.za

Pretoria North High School ranks among the top 20 best high schools in Pretoria and is an Afrikaans-medium institution with a history dating back to 1951.

It is one of the best-performing and most affordable public high schools in Pretoria North and was named among District D15’s Top Quality Teaching Schools in 2018, reflecting its commitment to developing future leaders.

19. Hoërskool Tuine

• Physical address: 255 Bornmanstraat, Pretoria-Tuine, 0082
• Contact numbers: +27 (012) 379 6181/2 | +27 (012) 379 0410
• Email: ontvangs@hstuine.co.za
• Website: www.hoerskooltuine.co.za

Hoërskool Tuine was officially opened in January 1956 with a pupil count of 283. The school performs very well academically, and based on matric results, it has been ranked among the Top 5 schools in the district for several years.

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Hoërskool Tuine has experienced and knowledgeable staff who are assigned and act as examiners and moderators for the district.

18. Langenhoven High School

• Physical address: Paul Kruger Drive, Pretoria and Townlands 351-J, Pretoria, 0183
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 328 3466
• Email: langies@langieshigh.co.za
• Website: langenhovenhs.co.za

Langenhoven High School is one of the oldest schools in Pretoria. The school has various academic and non-academic programs and activities that prepare young people for the world.

With experienced teachers around, students at Langenhoven High School gain adequate knowledge and skills to help them become useful in society and succeed in the future.

17. Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria

• Physical address: Bond St, Clydesdale, Pretoria, 0002
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 344 3811
• Email: bemarker@ahmp.co.za
• Website: ahmp.co.za

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria is among the best public high schools in Pretoria West and is an Afrikaans-medium school for girls. It is the sister school to Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, with roots tracing back to January 1920, when the Afrikaanse Hoërskool was established before being inaugurated as separate girls’ and boys’ schools in 1927 and 1930, respectively.

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16. Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool

• Physical address: 1 Lynnwood Rd, Elandspoort 357-Jr, Pretoria, 0002
• Contact numbers: +27 (0) 12 344 3805/6/7
• Email: affies@affies.co.za
• Website: www.affies.com

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool is among the most affordable high schools in Pretoria South. The English co-educational high school was established in 1920. It empowers learners to become leaders in all aspects of life.

Additionally, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool has activities like sports and cultural performances that emphasize collaboration and build a supportive community where diverse perspectives are valued.

15. Lyttelton Manor High School

• Physical address: Corner Selborne & Langebrink Avenue, Lyttelton Manor, Centurion, 0157
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 664 5698
• Email: info@lmhs.co.za
• Website: lmhs.co.za

Lyttleton Manor High School was founded in 1962. It is an English medium school providing quality education from Grade 8 to Grade 12.

The institution has established itself as a center of academic excellence, ranking near the top of league statistics and providing students with a comprehensive learning experience that includes subjects, curriculum learning, sports, and extracurricular activities.

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14. Hoërskool Wonderboom

• Physical address: 1050 Steve Biko Rd, Wonderboom
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 335 6806
• Email: admin@wonnies.co.za
• Website: wonnies.co.za

Since it was established 74 years ago, this institution has been one of Pretoria's best public Afrikaans medium co-educational high schools. Hoërskool Wonderboom is an institution of excellence where every individual has opportunities to develop fully. They provide quality, innovative, relevant teaching, education, and coaching.

13. Clapham High School

• Physical address: 1166 Soutpansberg Rd, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0186
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 333 6011

Clapham is among the good high schools in Pretoria. The institution was founded in 1948 and is a Pretoria English Medium High Schools Athletics Association member. Students at Clapham High School are encouraged to identify their interests and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

12. Rietondale High School

• Physical address: Corner of 18 Ave & Pierneef Str, Deerness, Pretoria, 0084
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 329 0574
• Email: admin@rietondalehs.co.za
• Website: www.rietondalehs.co.za

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Rietondale High School is among the best public high schools in Pretoria. The school falls within Tshwane North in Gauteng. Besides performing well academically, learners at Rietondale High School are encouraged to participate in sports like athletics, swimming, hockey, softball, netball, soccer, chess, tennis, and rugby.

11. Hoërskool Waterkloof

• Physical address: C/O Boeing St &, Solomon Mahlangu Dr, Erasmuskloof
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 347 0277/8
• Email: klofies@klofies.co.za
• Website: www.klofies.co.za

Founded in 1979, Horskool Waterkloof is one of the most expensive Afrikaans medium schools. Some notable alumni include Hennie Jacobs, an actor and singer, and Jordan Hermann, a professional cricketer. A gym, cloffice wardrobe, music center, and sports bureau are available at Hoërskool Waterkloof.

10. Willowridge High School

• Physical address: 518 Verkenner Avenue, Die Wilgers, 0143
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 807 3423
• Email: headmaster@willowridge.co.za
• Website: www.willowridge.co.za

Willowridge High School ranks among the top 10 best high schools in Pretoria and has been delivering quality education since its establishment in 1987.

The school also places strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, offering excellent sports facilities such as rugby and cricket fields, netball courts, a swimming pool, a gym, a basketball court, and a tennis lawn.

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9. The Glen High School

• Physical address: c/o Garstfontein Rd & Corobay Avenue, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 348 8625
• Email: admin@theglenhighschool.co.za
• Website: theglenhighschool.co.za

The Glen High School is one of the best public high schools in Pretoria East, offering a balanced approach to education that values both academic achievement and extracurricular excellence.

In addition to academics, the school places strong emphasis on sports, performing arts, and cultural activities to support holistic learner development.

8. St. Mary's Diocesan School for Girls

• Physical address: 30 St Marys Rd, Kloof, Durban, 3640
• Contact number: +27 (0) 31 764 9800
• Email: marketing@stmarysdsg.co.za
• Website: www.stmarys.pta.school.za

St. Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls ranks among the top 10 schools in Pretoria and has been a faith-based learning institution since the late 1880s.

In addition to academic excellence, the school places strong emphasis on moral values, leadership development, and confidence building, while offering co-curricular activities such as sports, athletics, swimming, karate, hockey, soccer, and cross-country.

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7. Pretoria High School for Girls

• Physical address: 949 Park Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, Gauteng
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 430 7341
• Email: info@phsg.org.za
• Website: www.phsg.org.za

Pretoria High School for Girls has been one of the best English-medium high schools in Pretoria over the years. Most of its students gain university entrance. Apart from academics, the Pretoria Girls' High School grooms all-around students who excel in extracurricular activities.

The school has netball, chess, volleyball, tennis, squash, basketball, hockey, water polo, swimming, soccer, athletics, and cultural activities.

6. Pretoria Technical High School

• Physical address: 649 Park Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 343 2357/8
• Email: admin@pths.co.za

Pretoria Technical High School is among the excellent non-denominational Christian public high schools in Pretoria East. The school attracts most of its students from the greater Tshwane region. Apart from academics, PTHS has a media center that learners use for research and reference.

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5. Hatfield Christian School

• Physical address: 551 January Masilela Drive, Waterkloof Glen
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 361 1182
• Email: admin@hatfieldcs.co.za
• Website: www.hatfieldcs.co.za

Hatfield Christian School is one of the top 5 best high schools in Pretoria, recognised for its strong academic standards and values-based education. The institution’s vision is to train leaders while equipping learners with a Biblical perspective across subjects.

Beyond academics, students participate in athletics, cricket, rugby, soccer, hockey, tennis, Toastmasters, drama, and music co-curricular activities.

4. Sutherland High School, Centurion

• Physical address: 1333 Willem Botha Ave, Eldoraigne, Centurion
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 658 5880 | +27 (0) 12 658 5881 | +27 (0) 12 658 5882
• Email: shs@sutherlandhs.co.za
• Website: www.sutherlandhs.co.za

Sutherland High School ranks among the top 5 best schools in Pretoria and was established in 1987 as an English-medium co-educational institution. The school is known for strong academic performance and places high emphasis on responsibility and ethical behaviour, nurturing independent, healthy, resilient, and compassionate contributors to the community.

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3. Pretoria Boys High School

• Physical location: Roper Street, Brooklyn
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 460 2246
• Email: info@boyshigh.com
• Website: boyshigh.com

Pretoria Boys High School is a semi-private institution and one of the few English high schools in Pretoria. It enrolls approximately 1,500 students, 300 of whom are boarders. The institution has about 100 full-time staff members looking out for the boarders.

What's more, Pretoria Boys High School has well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and sports activities aiming to groom an all-rounded student.

2. St. Alban's College

• Physical address: 110 Clearwater Road, Lynnwood Glen
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 348 1221
• Email: secretary@stalbanscollege.com
• Website: stalbanscollege.com

St. Alban's is one of the Anglican Church secondary schools rooted in Christian values. It has both day and boarding facilities and is one of the most outstanding institutions in the district. Unlike most institutions, St. Alban's College focuses on equipping learners with life skills that enable them to contribute positively to society.

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1. Pretoria Secondary School

• Physical address: Sisulu St, Islington, Pretoria, 0001
• Contact number: +27 (0) 12 322 9943
• Email: ptasecondary@telkomsa.net

Pretoria Secondary School ranks among the top 5 best public high schools in Pretoria and is one of the leading English-speaking government institutions in the city. The school is known for offering quality education alongside diverse extracurricular activities, with learners consistently performing exceptionally well in national examinations.

What are the best public high schools in Pretoria?

Some of the top 10 best public high schools in Pretoria are:

• Pretoria Secondary School
• St. Alban's College
• Pretoria Boys High School
• Sutherland High School, Centurion
• Hatfield Christian School
• Pretoria Technical High School
• Pretoria High School for Girls
• St. Mary's Diocesan School for Girls
• The Glen High School
• Willowridge High School

What is the biggest high school in SA?

Ngangolwandle Senior Secondary School in Elliotdale, Eastern Cape, is one of the biggest high schools in SA, with a student capacity of over 3,790 pupils.

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What are some Pretoria West high schools?

Some of Pretoria West's top high schools are Hoërskool Pretoria, Langenhoven High School, and Hoërskool Tuine.

Is Tshwane Secondary School a private school?

Tshwane Secondary School is a public high school in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. The institution admirably competes with top-tier private institutions.

Is Rustenburg High School a private school?

Rustenburg Girls' High School and Rustenburg Girls' Junior School are two separate public schools in the suburb of Rondebosch in Cape Town, South Africa.

Can a foreign child go to public school in South Africa?

An undocumented non-South African child can be enrolled in school, but the parent (s) must actively arrange documentation for the child.

Are there free public high schools in Pretoria?

Public high schools in Pretoria are not entirely free. The government only provides part of the school fees. Additionally, only learners from low-income families are exempted from paying school fees.

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What is the most expensive public school in Pretoria?

Government schools in South Africa range from no-fee institutions to those charging up to about R70,200 per year. As of 2026, Pretoria Boys’ High School remains the most expensive public (government) day school in Pretoria.

What is the best-performing public school in South Africa?

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (Affies) is one of the top-performing government schools in the province based on its 2025 matric results.

Are there any international schools in Pretoria?

Pretoria has several international schools. They include:

• American International School of Johannesburg (Pretoria Campus)
• Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria
• Lycée Jules Verne
• Crawford International Pretoria
• British International College
• Pretoria Chinese School
• Taal‑Net Primary and High School

What are the best private high schools in Pretoria?

Here are some of the top 10 private high schools in Pretoria, South Africa.

• Crawford College, Pretoria
• St. Alban’s College
• SA College Private School
• Tyger Valley College
• Star College Pretoria
• Loreto Convent School
• CBC Mount Edmund (Christian Brothers’ College)
• Eduplex High School
• Amberfield College
• Courtney House International School

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If you are interested in providing your child with quality but affordable education, consider sending the child to the best public high schools in Pretoria. You can contact these institutions to inquire about school fees, co-curricular activities, learning facilities, and other details.

Briefly.co.za published extensive details about the NMU online application process, fees, and application status. These updated details will be handy if you are contemplating joining the institution.

Nelson Mandela University is one of the top universities in South Africa. It offers a wide range of courses. The NMU online application process is pretty simple, and all prospective students can complete it in the comfort of their homes.

Source: Briefly News